Ministry: Accidents could hurt tourism

Accra, April, GNA - The Ministry of Tourism and players of the tourism industry on Tuesday expressed concern about the spate of road accidents across the country, saying since tourism thrived on travel, anything that slowed down or curtailed this desire or interest, such as fear of accidents, was a clear threat to the industry. "In Ghana, as a destination, travel for tourism purposes is principally characterized by road. And that is why the frightening pace of accidents in recent times must give us cause for concern," a statement signed by Mrs Juliana Asumah-Mensah, Minister of Tourism, said.

The Ministry said as the leader of the sector, was joining stakeholder institutions and bodies in road safety to make a passionate appeal to road users and drivers to exercise extreme care on the roads/highways.

"The industry has come far and is still moving up hoping to go beyond, its current fourth place in foreign exchange earnings for the country.

"But the road carnage would label Ghana as a bad and unattractive destination, which would result in the deprivation of tourism revenue and other benefits."

The statement said Ghana must collectively ensure a sustained road safety campaign at all levels.

"Other measures have already been trumpeted but within the context of private-public partnership, we would like to encourage the private sector practitioners, to invest in the provision of more rest stops on the highways."

It said beyond this, they were requesting the Government to review the existing laws on compulsory stops and make them enforceable so that road users would stop for a little rest after driving for a specified distance.